Manchester United in 'surprise talks' with new coach: report

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chairman and founder of Ineos Group Holdings Plc, following a Bloomberg Television interview at The Grenadier pub in London, UK, on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. "If you're in the automotive world, you've got a responsibility to try and improve the world's carbon footprint," Ratcliffe said.
(Image credit: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Manchester United are in ‘surprise talks’ to bring a new coach to Old Trafford, as the latest hire of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's revolution.

The Red Devils have undergone a backroom transformation since the petrochemicals mogul had his share in the club ratified earlier this year. Omar Berrada was poached from rivals Manchester City, with Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox following suit. 

Erik ten Hag was told earlier this summer that he would remain in charge – and has since spoken out on the decision – with another Dutch coach being lined up at Carrington. 

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

(Image credit: Alamy)

Voetbal International in Ten Hag's native Netherlands claims that Go Ahead Eagles manager, Rene Hake, is in talks to join Manchester United this summer. 

This report has been relayed by Sport Witness, who describe it as “surprising”. The Eagles have not yet been contacted by United, apparently, but Hake could leave his role to work in the Premier League thanks to a clause. 

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Hake worked with Ten Hag during the latter's stint as manager of Twente, with this latest hire underlining the United manager's commitment to bringing the best talent from the Eredivisie across to Old Trafford.

The likes of Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia have moved from the Netherlands to England under Ten Hag's watch, while Steve McLaren – who also worked with Ten Hag during his time coaching in the Eredivisie – is the current assistant manager.

Rene Hake

Rene Hake (Image credit: Getty Images)

In FourFourTwo's view, this is a sensible move from Ten Hag to bring a familiar face with him, while the source of the links checks out.

United are yet to make a major signing this summer. 

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Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.